The Emmy Awards — which, like everything else, had to adjust protocols for the past two years because of Covid concerns — looked a little more normal this year.
The red carpet, which was limited last year, was back in full swing. The ceremony once again was indoors and held in front of a packed studio audience, who appeared mostly maskless, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
Host Kenan Thompson had told The Associated Press that the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards would likely be free of tense confrontations (unlike this year's Academy Awards, during which Will Smith slapped Chris Rock).
He kicked the ceremony off with dances to remixed theme songs from popular shows like “Friends,” “Law & Order” and “Stranger Things.”
The Oscars were mentioned only once, subtly, when fellow "Saturday Night Live" cast member Bowen Yang briefly joined Thompson on stage to make some jokes.
The night, instead, focused on the actual winners.
HBO’s “Succession,” an operatic satire of corporate power plays and family dysfunction, won the Emmy for best drama series. The show also nabbed the best drama trophy in 2020. Apple TV+’s “Ted Lasso,” a feel-good sitcom about a stubbornly optimistic soccer coach (Jason Sudeikis) and his quirky co-workers, won the Emmy for best comedy series. “Ted Lasso” is also a two-time winner in this category; it also nabbed the best comedy series trophy last year.
“The White Lotus” and "Squid Game" also proved to be Emmy favorites, winning several statuettes.
Quinta Brunson won the Emmy for writing in a comedy series for her breakout hit ABC comedy show, “Abbott Elementary.” Brunson, who also stars in the series as teacher Janine Teagues, is the first Black woman to earn three nominations in the comedy categories in the same year.
Sheryl Lee Ralph, who plays Barbara Howard, a veteran no-nonsense kindergarten teacher and newcomer Janine’s mentor on "Abbott Elementary," won outstanding supporting actress.
We captured the winners, the great speeches and all the best moments from the show:
‘Succession’ named best drama series
HBO’s “Succession,” an operatic satire of corporate power plays and family dysfunction, wins the Emmy for best drama series.
During the acceptance speech, show creator Jesse Armstrong took a shot at the British monarchy and the new king of England.
“A bit more voting involved in our winning than Prince Charles,” he joked.
“Succession” is a two-time winner in this category. The show also nabbed the best drama trophy in 2020.
‘Ted Lasso’ named best comedy series
Apple TV+’s “Ted Lasso,” a feel-good sitcom about a stubbornly optimistic soccer coach (Jason Sudeikis) and his quirky co-workers, wins the Emmy for best comedy series.
“Ted Lasso” is a two-time winner in this category. It also nabbed the best comedy series trophy in 2021.
Sudeikis teased there's more on the way: “We’ll see you for Season 3, at some point."
Emmy for best limited/anthology series goes to ‘The White Lotus’
"The White Lotus" proves to be an Emmy favorite, winning the top award for outstanding limited or anthology series.
And there's going to be more "White Lotus" to watch. A second season is slated for October.
Lee Jung-jae of ‘Squid Game’ scores Emmy for best actor in a drama series
Lee Jung-jae wins the Emmy for best actor in a drama series for playing the lead character on the Netflix survival drama “Squid Game.”
He is a first-time nominee and a first-time winner in this category.
Another win for 'Succession' in the writing category
"Succession" won outstanding writing for a drama series. Jesse Armstrong picked up the Emmy for this category.
Another win for 'Ted Lasso'
“Ted Lasso” took home another Emmy with MJ Delaney winning the award for outstanding directing for a comedy series.
Delaney was nominated in the same category for “Ted Lasso” last year.
Jean Smart of 'Hacks' earns Emmy for best actress in a comedy series
Jean Smart won the Emmy for best actress in a comedy series for her role as sharp-tongued stand-up comedian Deborah Vance on HBO Max’s “Hacks.”
Smart is a two-time winner in this category. She also won last year.
Hwang Dong-hyuk wins Emmy for ‘Squid Game’
Hwang Dong-hyuk won outstanding directing for a drama series for "Squid Game," Netflix’s hit South Korean series.
The series follows Seong and hundreds of other contestants burdened with significant debt as they compete in disturbing and violent children’s games for millions of dollars. The competition can have only one winner, and those who lose die.
The show could make history tonight if it wins best drama series.
In Memoriam: John Legend sings tribute to stars lost
John Legend helped to kick off this year’s tribute to entertainers who passed on in the In Memoriam segment. Legend sat at his piano and sang a moving rendition of "Pieces" while the voice of the late legendary actor and comedian Betty White was heard in the background.
The tribute went on to honor other comedy greats recently lost, such as Bob Saget, Gilbert Gottfried and Jak Knight, as well as actors Ray Liotta, James Caan, Sidney Poiter and Nichelle Nichols, among many others.
While some speculated online that Queen Elizabeth II, who died last week at age 96, might be added out of respect, she wasn’t included. While she wasn’t part of the entertainment industry, her life story inspired hugely successful TV shows, such as Netflix’s “The Crown.”
The tribute did include the late Miss USA Cheslie Kryst, sports commentator Vin Scully and filmmaker Jean Marc Vallée.
Zendaya lands another Emmy for 'Euphoria' role
Zendaya won the Emmy for best actress in a drama series for her role as troubled teenager Rue Bennett on HBO’s “Euphoria.” She is a two-time winner in this category. She also nabbed the award in 2020.
"My greatest wish for 'Euphoria' was that it could help heal people," she said in her acceptance speech. "I just want to say thank you to everyone who has shared their story with me. ... Anyone who has loved a Rue or feels like they are a Rue, I’m so grateful for your stories, and I carry them with me."